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Minox Vario 8-14x40

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jakedeaver View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jakedeaver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Minox Vario 8-14x40
    Posted: March/15/2012 at 14:07

I have been researching the heck out of this Minox bino recently.  I am looking for a good variable power bino and this model seems to be a nice compromise between price and performance.  I would love a pair of Leica Duovids, but I cannot afford to have $2k wrapped up in a pair of binos.

Does anyone have any experience of input regarding this Minox offering?  There is not much info out there on the www.  I have see some very complimentary info and some negative info.
 
I understand the inherent limitations (negatives) that a variable power bino brings to the table - narrow FOV, dim grainy image at higher power.  But I have poor, corrected vision which seems to limit my abilities to split hairs between a Leupold GR and a Leica, etc.

Thanks for your input, Jake

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Klamath View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Klamath Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2012 at 16:07
Jake,
 
Welcome to OT first off.  Second, the problem with variable binoculars goes further than what you described.  The big problem is sheer physical unreliability.  This is due to the inherent dssign of the infinitely variable approach.  There is simply no way to make a solid zoom binocular.
 
I'd cruise the net and look for a used Leupold GR Switch power binocular.  The idea if two fixed power settings which will more or less lock into place are far more reliable than zoom.
 
With poor uncorrected vision to begin with I can see no way you would be happy with a zoom.  Even with good eyes, a zoom converts normal 20/20 eyesight to poor uncorrected vision.
 
I think you will bew far better off finding a good fixed 8x-10x binocular with enough eye relief for your glasses and just use that. 
 
I would read this and pay heed.  Variables are of limited use with good eye sight, fresh out of the box, before thery have had a chance to go to pot.
 
 
If you are determined to go the zoom route I would suppose the Minox is the best of a poor lot.
Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron

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Bird Watcher View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2012 at 16:34
Jake,

Here's some interesting reading.  The Minox Vario is towards the bottom of the page.


One for the Leupold Switch 10-17x42.


Stan


Edited by Bird Watcher - March/15/2012 at 18:51
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jakedeaver View Drop Down
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote jakedeaver Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2012 at 22:38
Thanks for the good information.  I appreciate your cautions, but I am confused by this exceedingly positive review?
 
 
I have a nice set of Leupold GR 8x32, which I like.  But I am looking for a nice higher power bino to compliment them.  I though that the Vario would offer a nice bright image at 8x with the ability to increase power if needed.  It looks like I should look for a Switchpower or save up for a Duovid.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: March/15/2012 at 23:56
Originally posted by jakedeaver jakedeaver wrote:

I appreciate your cautions, but I am confused by this exceedingly positive review?

The review is dated 2006 and the Minox Vario has been discontinued for a number of years.
I wouldn't get hung up on a product that you are not likely to get your hands on.

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